It Is Not Death to Die
It is not death to die
The hymn expresses Lutheran confidence in Christ's victory over death and the promise of resurrection through faith in Him. It grounds Christian assurance in Scripture and the finished work of Christ rather than in human merit.
History & Background
Written by Henry Harbaugh, a German Reformed pastor in Pennsylvania, this hymn was first published in 1860. It became widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals and remains a standard funeral and Easter hymn.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 359
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 602
Bulletin Note
Written by Henry Harbaugh (1817–1867), a Lutheran pastor and educator in Pennsylvania. This hymn voices the Reformation's recovered confidence: our resurrection rests not on our merit, but on Christ's finished work.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully proclaims the Gospel reversal—what the Law names as death's dominion, Christ's resurrection unmasks as a doorway to eternal life with God.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From the blessing of Christian unity in love (1), through shared prayer and common purpose (2), to mutual suffering and support (3), culminating in hope beyond separation (4)
Themes
death and resurrection eternal life faith in Christ comfort in mortality